Novels

Fiction Series

“You have to have series books in your home and library. Well, bypass all the other books out there and take a turn with Time Spies.”—Elizabeth Bird, School Library Journal

The “Time Spies” Series

By Candice RansomIllustrated by Greg CallWizards of the CoastAges 7 to 10

The Time Spies chapter book series combines fantasy, mystery, and adventure, while highlighting little-known events in American history. Out of print but look for titles in libraries and online book services such as Advanced Book Exchange, Amazon, and Alibris.

Mattie, Alex, and Sophie Chapman are sure that living in a bed and breakfast in the country will be boring. But then they discover a hidden room, a mysterious postcard, and a magical spyglass that once belonged to Thomas Jefferson. Life will never be boring again!

#1 Secret in the TowerThe Chapman kids find themselves in their own house, during the Revolutionary War.At the Battle of Yorktown, General George Washington needs their help.

#2 Bones in the BadlandsThe kids zoom back to the Wild West in 1898 during the Bone Wars. They must help a dinosaur cowboy keep his fossil discovery a secret.

#3 Giant in the GardenSophie’s fairy tale book comes to life with an enormous beanstalk in the Chapman’s garden. When their cat Winchester climbs into the clouds, the kids must face the giant!

#4 Magician in the TrunkAt the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, the Chapman kids are on a mission to save the struggling magician, Harry Houdini.

#5 Signals in the SkyIt’s 1863, and the kids are whisked into the Civil War to aid spies on opposing sides while sending secret messages from signal towers.

#6 Rider in the NightOn Halloween, the Time Spies kids track down the fearsome Headless Horseman and unmask the mystery rider with a trick of their own.

#7 Horses in the WindFamous racehorse Seabiscuit is up against the mighty War Admiral. The kids must keep the race fair because others want to ruin Seabiscuit’s chances.

#8 Gold in the HillsDuring the Klondike Gold Rush, the kids meet writer Jack London and help a young prospector whose prize sled dog is stolen.

#9 Message in the MountainIn 1934, the sculptor creating Mount Rushmore is in trouble. The great monument may never be finished unless the Times Spies kids step in.

#10 Flames in the CityIt’s 1812 and war is raging in Washington, D.C. First Lady Dolley Madison and the Time Spies kids must rescue the portrait of George Washington before the nation’s capital burns.

The “Boxcar Children” Series

Orphaned Benny, Violet, Jessie, and Henry used to live alone in a boxcar. Now they have a home with their grandfather. Life is one adventure after another!

The classic series created by Gertrude Chandler Warner continues with the familiar characters in new mysteries. Candice Ransom contributed 18 titles to the series.